50 Free (Or Almost Free) Things to Do in OKC This Summer

free things to do in okc
One of the many great things about Oklahoma City is the abundance of things to do in the metro and surrounding areas. From indoor museums to outdoor gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. And the best part is– almost all of it’s free!

Take a look at this list of 50 things that are free (or almost free!) you and your family can enjoy before school starts again.

50 Free Things to do in OKC This Summer:

  1. Uptown 23rd Farmer’s Market – Located on Walker Ave between 23rd and 24th streets in the historic Uptown district, this free market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Sundays through October. Vendors, live music, and workshops are available for the whole family.
  2. Visit the Sam Noble Museum – On the first Monday of every month, enjoy complimentary admission for children 17 and under.
  3. Art Moves – The Arts Council of OKC and Devon present this free art event that features daily performances in various locations downtown. From Noon – 1 p.m. every day, bring the kids out and enjoy something new!
  4. Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art – Your young artists (ages 3 to 5) can experience free art through books and projects every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in Norman.
  5. Watch Live Bicycle Races – Held in the Wheeler District, the Wheeler Criterium  occurs every Tuesday through August at 5:30 p.m. Cheer on some of the state’s best cyclists and enjoy live music and food trucks.
  6. Bringing Books to Life – Every Wednesday from 10 – 11 a.m. in the Children’s Garden at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, catch nature-themed story time and crafts.
  7. Walking Tour of Myriad Botanical Gardens – On the last Saturday of every month, you can join the free Walking Tour program at 10 a.m.myriad
  8. Tour the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion – Every Wednesday through May, you can take a free tour of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion from Noon to 3 p.m. Reservations are required.
  9. First Thursdays On the Lawn – This monthly evening of live music features food trucks, games, and more! It’s free for the whole family, and takes place on the first Thursday of every month through August from 5 to 8 p.m. on the lawn north of Whole Foods on Western Ave.
  10. Attend an Art Walk – The Paseo Arts District hosts the First Friday Gallery Walk on the first Friday of every month with themes exhibits, guest artists, and more! The walk starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
  11. Catch a Story and a Cupcake – On the first and third Saturday of the month, enjoy coffee while your children listen to story time at Cuppies & Joe on NW 23rd Street. Story time runs from 10 to 11 a.m.
  12. Free Gallery Tours at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – Head to this great museum on Saturdays for free gallery tours of select exhibits. These tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately 45 minutes.
  13. Storytime at Barnes and Noble – Join energetic storytellers at metro Barnes and Noble Bookstores every Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
  14. Fish for Free – The City of Oklahoma City offers free fishing days on the first Saturday of every month. For those 16 and older, a state license is required.
  15. Free Craft Days – Ages 3 and up are invited to Lakeshore Learning Store at 6300 N May Ave every Saturday for free crafts! The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and reservations are not necessary.
  16. Norman Art Walk – This monthly celebration of art takes place in Downtown Norman on the second Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m.
  17. Catch a Movie in the Park – The City of Edmond hosts Movie Night in the park on the second Friday of the month through June. Admission is free, and movies are family-friendly.
  18. Live! on the Plaza – The Plaza District’s art walk occurs every second Friday of the month. From 7 to 11 p.m., you can enjoy live music, local artists, special events, shopping, and more!
  19. Make + Take Art – Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center offers free art projects for children every second Saturday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. Projects are fun for children of all ages and experience levels.
  20. Free Admission to the Gaylord-Pickens Museum – On the third Thursday of every month beginning at 10 a.m., enjoy free admission to the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Crafts are also included.
  21. Join an Outdoor Playgroup – Nature Play OKC is an outdoor playgroup for Oklahoma City families. They meet the last Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. at Martin Park Nature Center.
  22. Eats on 8th & Harvey – This event is a free, monthly food truck festival held on the last Friday of each month. Enjoy pop-up shops, live music, entertainment, kids activities, and more!
  23. Jam Out in Midwest City – JamzNJune is a free music entertainment event held Thursday evenings June. Starting at 7 p.m., bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers to Charles J Johnson Central Park in Midwest City for live music.
  24. Summer Nights Concert Series – Every Friday night in June, head to the Central Park Multi-Purpose Pavilion and Amphitheater for a great evening of live music. Bring your blankets and chairs for music, starting at 7 p.m.
  25. Pick Your Own Fruit – This guide lists great pick-your-own farms around the area for you to enjoy!
  26. Hear a Story in the Park – Every Monday in June, The City of Moore and Moore Public Library host story time at Parmele Park in Moore. All ages are welcome to the free event, which starts at 10 a.m.
  27. Visit the Express Clydesdales of Express Employment Professionals – Located in Yukon, the Express barn is home to the world-famous Express Clydesdales. You can get up close and personal with these gentle giants for free!1493154_10153373181066770_232600339674784311_n
  28. Set up a Lemonade Stand – The ingredients that go into lemonade are easy to find and don’t cost much, making this is a summer staple that’s sure to entertain.
  29. Join a Summer Reading Program – Check out your local library’s calendar of events and join a reading program to help encourage your kids to keep learning when school is out.
  30. Head to an Area Splash Pad – Soak up the sun and check out this guide, which will help you find splash pads near you.
  31. Catch Lightning Bugs – This summer staple can’t be beat, and it’s free fun for the whole family.
  32. Build Legos at Penn Square Mall – On the first Tuesday of the month, you can head to the Lego Store in Penn Square Mall for a free Mini Model Build.
  33. Visit the Oklahoma Railway Museum – This free museum features freight cars, passenger cars, and a real steam engine. Plus, a train ride!
  34. Go Camping…In Your Own Backyard – Set up a tent and fall asleep under the stars for a free, fun, and unique camping experience in your own backyard.tent
  35. Visit the Edmond Historical Society Museum – Another free attraction, this museum features a Children’s Learning Center with hands-on play areas, costumes, and more.
  36. Have a Water Balloon Fight – What’s more refreshing than water sports in the heat of summer? Grab some balloons and the water hose for a quick game.
  37. Make Your Own Art – While you’re outside with the water balloons, break out the sidewalk chalk and let your little artists create their own masterpieces.
  38. Travel Route 66 – You don’t have to go far to find Route 66 in Oklahoma. In fact, a quick drive to Pops and the Round Barn in Arcadia are quick ways to discover some of the state’s quirky, beloved roadside attractions.
  39. Visit the Flea Market – Find hidden treasures at Industry Flea Market, an open-air market with live music and shopping, on June 5 and July 30 in Midtown Oklahoma City.
  40. Tour Braum’s – Take the drive to Tuttle for a free guided tour of the Braum’s factory. Reserve your spot in advance, as space is limited.
  41. Visit the National Memorial – For a few moments of history and reflection, take the family to the Oklahoma City National Memorial in downtown Oklahoma City.
  42. Spend Time in the Park – Find a park or recreation center near you to explore and play outside. (OKC, Yukon, Edmond, Norman, Moore).
  43. Go Bowling – Did you know you can register your kids to receive free bowling all summer long? Several OKC bowling alleys participate in this program, and it’s a great way to save money and stay active.
  44. Participate in Vacation Bible School – Check out this guide for VBS programs near you!
  45. Play in the Park Program – From mid-June to late July, free programs offer summertime activities for children age 6 and older.
  46. Plant a Garden – Teach the kids about gardening by picking a few flowers or trees and watching them grow.
  47. Build and Grow With Lowe’s – Attend free workshops at Lowe’s that help kids learn how to make fun projects, like a birdhouse and planter. Register ahead for these events.
  48. Go Geocaching – Geocaching, the world’s largest treasure hunt, is both free and educational. Using GPS devices, you try to locate hidden containers and share your experiences.
  49. Earn a Free Book – When they fill out a Summer Reading Triathlon Reading Journal from Barnes & Noble, kids can earn a free book from the store’s selection.
  50. Volunteer – There are several volunteer opportunities in the area that help kids learn the importance of giving back. Check out VolunteerMatch.org for ideas.

With so many things to do around Oklahoma City this summer, what will you try first? Did we miss any of your favorite events or activities? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Heather Koontz
Heather is a transplant from Tulsa, OK, who enjoys falling in love with Oklahoma City and all it has to offer. A communications and public relations specialist, Heather is a graduate of the University of Tulsa with degrees in film studies and creative writing. She loves to write, capture her day with photographs and videos, and spend time with her husband Byron and their two rambunctious dogs. They have a brand new baby boy and are navigating the unique world of first-time parenthood. Huge fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder, their favorite thing to do is attend Thunder games.

9 COMMENTS

  1. Wasn’t looking for a list of things like “play in the park” or “plant a garden”. Would prefer a list of events or places around town with something to do that’s cheap. Museums are like $22 a person… not cheap.

  2. Pioneer Library System has many Free activities for all ages at all branches! Also you can check out family passes to area museums and the OKC Zoo!

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